Memory Quilt FAQ's

Every spring I have the pleasure of turning sentimental garments and childhood memorabilia into memory quilts for college bound teens. Here, I'll attempt to address some of the questions you might have about my process for making these lasting gifts.

Q: How many garments/items do I need to provide?

A: 30 - 40 articles are needed for a twin size quilt. Twin size is the most popular for college bound teens. It will measure approximately 63"x 87". That said, I am happy to work with as many or few items you might have. Special items might include t-shirts, jerseys (1-2 max), uniform pants and skirts (I know they're tired of looking at them now, but one day those plaids, khaki's and wools will evoke fond memories!), neckties, favorite baby blankets, etc...

Q: Can you make any size quilt?

A: Sure, I can make any size you wish! Price and number of items needed subject to change.

Q: Speaking of price, how much are your memory quilts?

A: I charge $1500 + tax and require 50% up front and balance on delivery.

Q: Why do they cost so much?! I've seen online sources who charge a lot less than you.

( I know you're thinking this so I'm going to take the opportunity to tell you :)

A: Most online sources use a cookie cutter approach. They take your items, cut the best 8" or 12" block from each article and sew them together. These are perfectly nice quilts! I wouldn't fault anyone for going that route. It's just not what I like to do. I'm a designer. I like working to the strengths of each item given and I'm especially good at selecting additional high quality fabrics that make all of the bits and pieces come together beautifully! I also enjoy getting to know my clients. Here's how I work.

I come over to your place and take a look at your kids room. I like to see their space & take in their vibe! We sit and talk about your awesome kid and their favorite colors, special qualities and quirks. We talk about how much you're going to miss them next year:( At this point, we both might cry a little bit. You hand over their laundered things and let me get to work!

Q: How long does it take? Am I too late for August or September?

A: I like to have 8 weeks to complete a memory quilt. If you need it sooner, I'll do my best to accommodate you.

Q: Should I tell my kid I'm going to cut up their clothing?

A: Mom or Dad knows best!

If you'd like to chat, feel free to call me at 214-215-3049

Shari

now....where were we?

I sure do hope the past few months have treated you well!

I left you right after Sadie's bat mitzvah and Sailor Glam party.

It was perfect. That's Sadie's hand drawn tat (tatt?).

I went from platinum to brunette with a painful grow out period in between.

I lost, gained, lost, gained and am currently losing the same 10 pounds.

I just can't seem to quit you!

In November I took a full time job in addition to being a quilt maker.

Winter 2011! Ya-hooo! We loved our snow and ice days because it gave us

plenty of time for Valentines!

Another year older. If older is wiser, then perhaps my newfound wisdom

led me to the wonders of Jumbo marshmallows.

Alan and I created this fun recycling mascot for a local elementary school.

Cave danger in the Hill Country. Pitch black. Super scary.

My boy Buster has slowed to a crawl....

What have YOU been up to?

gator baby

This summer I made a quilt for a baby gator. This little guy was born to a couple of die hard Florida Gator fans and needed the perfect quilt. Here is the play by play of the aptly named quilt, Gator Baby.

Thankfully, I had wonderful school colors to work with! This is the maquette I presented to my client, friend and coworker, Beth. Whenever possible I make a maquette to convey my ideas. I thought the rugby stripe was great for a little boy and made a nice field for a big gator head.

Next, I went in search of reference. I didn't have to look any further than Sadie's bookshelf for our well loved copy of The Enormous Crocodile, by Roald Dahl. Gators and crocs; crocs and gators, I know there are differences, but this illustration happened to work perfectly for the project at hand. Admittedly, my first sketch resembled the Claussen pickle pelican, sans the funny hat. Alan came in and saved the day with a subtle adjustment. Thanks Alan!

Pupil practice and finished eye.

Ric rac teeth. Great idea Deb!

Sweet backing.

I chose a quilting pattern called Toothache to mimic the jagged teeth. We also added the baby's name and other particulars for a personal touch. Thanks for the great project Beth! Tons of fun.

pintervention

This is a gift from my friend Kalynn. 500 artfully placed pins. Kalynn has a very tidy sewing space. She even likes her pins nice and tidy, all straight with yellow heads; nary a white or even classic silver to be found. My willy nilly multi colored pins of varying quality in this container and that make her a little batty. Her attempts to convert me have backfired. Can't you see this is too cool to actually use? Not one pin disturbed. I love it and you Kalynn!

open for business!

I've opened my Etsy shop with a few sweet items. Come on in. Shirts and shoes optional.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/redllamastudio

christmas in june

It's 100 degrees outside, still no AC in my studio, and I'm making Christmas stockings, or "socks" as my grandmother Mommy Elta used to call them. I hope she would love my modern interpretation. I use gorgeous hand dyed wools with names like Earth and Bubble Gum and Jack 'o Lantern. What's not to love? Secret pockets are sewn into the ultra suede lining for hiding treats.

Interested? email shari@redllamastudio.com

pile o babies

My poor sewing machine could use a little love. We've been on the clock day and night. That's why it's been so quiet at Rotten Bananas lately. I've been busy sewing the first items for my brand new Etsy store, The Shop at Red Llama Studio. By now, most of you are probably familiar with Etsy. If you aren't, it's an online site for buying and selling handmade and vintage items. Mass production is a no no. I'm opening my "store" with mostly baby items. Aren't babies supposed to be recession proof?

Bonus: Tiny plastic baby included with each purchase while supplies last.

bullseye

Who says baby quilts have to be colorful and whimsical?

Most certainly not me.

Although I do love color and wholeheartedly embrace whimsy, I love making crisp white baby quilts.

Meet Peyton. Her mommy works in advertising and Target is her big client. Everyday at work Peyton's mommy is inundated with color.

Loud, vibrant, saturated color.

At home, she wants a rest from the color. This is the family living room and that tiny baby in the gorgeous white bowl is Peyton.

For Peyton's quilt, I used eyelet remnants from shirt designer Craig Taylor for a touch of girly, japanese double gauze, flax colored linen, pin wale corduroy, seersucker from Mood and straight up utility cotton for beautiful texture and variety. Every fabric was soft, and most importantly, washable!

Her name is hand embroidered tone on tone. It's subtle, (can you even see it?) but it's there.

I love that Peyton's mommy isn't afraid to throw it on the floor and get it dirty. It's loved.

Maybe it will be the quilt Peyton remembers when she grows up. That would make me very happy.

Neutral baby quilt = Bullseye.

P.S. I sent Peyton this fluffy white llama (photo at top) along with her quilt. Red Llama? White Llama? It's all good.

flown the coop

I finished and delivered the egg quilt yesterday. I just love it.

I hope the bidding parents love it too.

Scraps and bits of gold hued fabrics stitched willy nilly make up the hay.

The tip of the ultra suede beak held in place with

a stitch resembling a chicken or bird track.

This rubber stamp pattern was the inspiration for

for my wild eyed chicken.

The kids names and special sentiments about their school

are stitched throughout the quilt top.

An egg pattern is stitched everywhere in between.

The back of the quilt is super cool too. It really shows off Deb's handiwork.

hatching a winner

Would you like to see the project that kept me from blogging last week? Our recent snow storm literally forced my hand on this current quilt project. The power outage turned this machine applique quilt into a hand applique one and had me channeling my inner Ma Ingalls on the prarie with Sophie and Sadie in the supporting roles of Mary and Laura.

Long after the power was restored, I was still hand stitching, thimble on finger, finishing what I started. This sweet little quilt is for a school auction.

I've made many, many quilts for school auctions. The objective is to involve kids in the process and to end up with a quilt that all of them want for their very own. A bidding frenzy ensues. A win for the school and for one delighted kid.

Since these kids raise chickens at their school, this quilt is all about eggs. Every child embroidered an egg. Here's some of their handiwork. Kids don't over think the creative process. The result is magic. They have tons of fun. And they're invested in our project.

You'll see this chicken again.

Today, off to Deb, my master quilter and pal, so she can bring the quilt to life.

I'll post the finished quilt next week. In the meantime, have a great Monday.

d home best of dallas

Do two mentions in the past few months qualify as a media blitz?!?

In my world, the answer would be yes!

Here is a photo from the current issue of D Home Magazine

and here is a link to the article.

Thank you D Home and thank you Bill and Cindy for loaning

me "our" quilt for the shoot!

photo by Alex Ham for D Home Magazine

need a last minute gift?

Want to make some delicious cookies like these?? My Drusilla's Ginger Snap Recipe Aprons would make a super fun and unique last minute gift for the foodie or teacher or tutor or hostess on your list. Email shari@redllamastudio.com if interested. I hope some of you are last minute shoppers like me!

The aprons are $29.95 + tax and shipping when applicable. Checks or money orders accepted. And of course cash too if you're a local!

it's not too late!

This is the last day to sign up for tomorrow's drawing. It's not too late. Winner will be selected midday Thursday. What's one more password to remember? The cookies alone are worth it!

I think it's about time for a Rotten Bananas give away, don't you? First up is Drusilla's Best Ever Ginger Snap apron, my original design from Red Llama Studio. Drusilla lived in my hometown and she was justifiably proud of her ginger snaps. They are simply delicious! The recipe is handwritten (just like a recipe card) and silk screened upside down onto a 100% cotton apron so you can lift the corners and read the recipe as you gather ingredients and bake.

For a chance to win an apron and a tin of cookies (cookies for U.S. winner only....sorry), this is what you need to do.

1. Sign up as a follower to my blog. If you have trouble with this, any kid should be able to help you. In my experience, they are the computer know it alls!

2. Once you become a follower, please make a comment to this post.

That's it.

I'll randomly select a winner and post the name one week from today.

Follow, comment and win!

You can still get an apron even if you don't win! The Drusilla aprons will be available for sale next week for $29.95 + tax.